We are Hiring - join our team at The Station as Operations Manager

Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust (RBPT) is a heritage restoration charity dedicated to preserving, restoring, and breathing new life into the historic buildings of Richmondshire. Our flagship project, The Station, is a thriving community and visitor venue housed in the restored Victorian railway station. It features an award-winning café, three-screen cinema, art galleries, events, and several independent businesses.

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery and commercial performance of The Station. This is a pivotal role requiring strong organisational leadership, a commitment to excellence in visitor experience, and an appreciation for the heritage environment in which we operate. The Operations Manager will ensure The Station remains safe, compliant, commercially resilient, and aligned with RBPT’s mission to Preserve, Restore, and Inspire.

This is a Full-time, Permanent position, working on site at The Station, Richmond, DL10 4LD.

Key Responsibilities

1. Compliance & Standards

• Ensure full compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including health & safety, fire regulations, safeguarding, and accessibility.
• Maintain and monitor risk assessments, audits, and incident reporting processes.
• Act as primary point of contact for regulatory bodies, inspectors, and internal compliance teams.
• Ensure all tenants, contractors, and partners operate within RBPT policies and site standards.

2. Commercial Performance

• Maximise revenue across all on-site activities.
• Monitor and report on financial performance.
• Identify growth opportunities through enhanced visitor engagement, upselling, and commercial partnerships.
• Oversee procurement, contract management, and supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Support the CEO in exploring new commercial ventures, grant opportunities, and capital project efficiencies.

3. Operational Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day management of The Station including staff, volunteers, contractors, and tenant coordination.
• Develop and manage staffing rotas, training plans, and performance processes.
• Foster a high-performance culture that prioritises exceptional visitor experience and staff engagement.
• Ensure facilities, equipment, and heritage spaces are well-maintained and meet organisational brand standards.

4. Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Work closely with RBPT teams including building team, cinema, marketing, events, finance, friends and volunteer coordination, and enterprises to ensure aligned operational delivery.
• Maintain positive relationships with tenants, partner organisations, community groups, and heritage bodies.
• Represent The Station at local networking events and community meetings.
• Support RBPT’s profile-raising, advocacy, and community engagement objectives.

Person Specification

Essential

• Operations management experience in a visitor, heritage, hospitality, or leisure setting.
• Strong understanding of compliance (H&S, fire safety, safeguarding) - minimum 2 years compliance coordination experience.
• Experience managing budgets, KPIs, and commercial performance.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Competent with digital systems and operational reporting.

Desirable

• Experience working with heritage buildings or cultural organisations.
• Knowledge of marketing, events, or visitor experience development.
• Experience supporting or managing volunteers.
• Relevant qualifications (e.g., IOSH/NEBOSH, facilities management).

Personal Qualities

• Proactive, hands-on, and collaborative.
• Commercially minded with a creative approach to income generation.
• Passionate about heritage, community spaces, and excellent visitor experiences.
• Resilient, positive, and calm under pressure.

£30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements of role to the CEO at manager@thestation.co.uk.

Application deadline: Friday 12th December 2025